Final Words...

Performance wise, the NEX 3+ did quite well. The audio quality was right on par with some of the other flash players we’ve tested from Samsung and Rio, but what truly made the difference in audio quality between the NEX 3+ and its competition were the integrated sound enhancing technologies such as WOW. Since NEX 3+ doesn’t have anything of that sort, it didn’t really perform well beyond its capacity. With that said, the overall audio eminence was decent with no exaggeration in sound and precise pitch throughout. The volume levels also performed well at the top most level and produced expected results. As far as the overall delivery is concerned, the NEX 3+ passes those tests easily, though not by flying colors.

The other technologies such as FM tuner, line-in recording capabilities and FM recording were also well and good during our testing. The problem with built-in recorders is the distance limitation, but that’s true with all MP3 players. The player had no problems capturing FM signals even in the busiest districts. While Frontier Labs fails with the exterior, the "interior" is much better, though they could’ve taken it a step further with additional audio enhancing features.

According to Frontier Labs, the single AAA battery should last for 15 hours, which it did, but unfortunately that’s not enough unless you purchase the rechargeable ones and a charger; this will obviously set you another $25.00 or so in the end. On a slightly positive side, however, you get a car adapter, so you can listen to your favorite music while on the go.

Throughout our review, we’ve been hammering the NEX 3+ for having an outdated and unpleasant exterior with gaudy color choices and flimsy pieces all around. With companies like Creative, Apple, Sony, iRiver and Samsung introducing far attractive and advanced MP3 players in the market, there just doesn’t appear to be a place for Frontier Labs?NEX 3+ player at the moment. There was a time when functionality counted for nearly everything, but with consumer electronics becoming fashionable accessories, companies must now have to work both on aesthetics and optimal audio quality in order to impress the listening crowd.

We’ve already discussed the pricing of the NEX 3+ on the previous page, and from what we observed, there are actually better offerings in the market than the NEX 3+. Unfortunately for Frontier Labs, Samsung offers a competitive 512MB player for less than $130.00 with "fixed" storage (T7X). Simply put, there isn’t anything special going on for the NEX 3+ that would make you want to purchase this particular product. Frontier Labs appears to have to cut corners from everywhere (no music management software either), but regardless their efforts, the NEX 3+ isn’t a viable solution for buyers looking for a solid MP3 player.